Top Beacon Falls, CT Securities Fraud Lawyers Near You
681 State St, New Haven, CT 06511
383 Orange Street, First Floor, New Haven, CT 06511
555 Long Wharf Drive, Suite 13A, New Haven, CT 06511
1055 Washington Boulevard, Suite 510, Stamford, CT 06901
700 State St, Suite 303, New Haven, CT 06511
One Landmark Square, 21st Floor, Stamford, CT 06901
170 Mason Street, Greenwich, CT 06830
281 Tresser Blvd, Stamford, CT 06901
1010 Washington Boulevard, Stamford, CT 06901
One Century Tower, 265 Church Street - Suite 300, New Haven, CT 06510
42 Terrace Avenue, PO Box 992, Naugatuck, CT 06770
683 State Street, New Haven, CT 06511
60 Long Ridge Road, Suite 202, Stamford, CT 06902
65 Trumbull St, 2nd Floor, New Haven, CT 06510
1057 Broad St, 2nd Floor, Bridgeport, CT 06604
1337 Dixwell Ave, Hamden, CT 06514
1129 Essex Place, Stratford, CT 06615
68 North Street, Danbury, CT 06810
2220 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604
15 Maiden Lane, North Haven, CT 06473
2425 Post Road, Suite 101, Southport, CT 06890
1057 Broad St, Suite 403, Bridgeport, CT 06604-1619
61 Grist Mill Cir, Guilford, CT 06437
3651 Main St., #200, Stratford, CT 06614
1261 Post Rd, Suite 202B, Fairfield, CT 06824
Beacon Falls Securities Fraud Information
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What Does the Law Say About Securities Fraud?
Securities fraud involves fraudulent misrepresentations in buying, selling, trading stock or other financial commodities. Securities fraud can also involve stock price manipulation to artificially inflate or deflate stock values. Securities fraud is a type of “white-collar crime,” which is a financially motivated, nonviolent crime.
Is Securities Fraud a Federal Crime?
Securities fraud is a federal offense, like mail fraud or wire fraud. Under securities law in the U.S. Code, it is a violation of the Securities Exchange Act to defraud any person in connection with any commodity. It is also a crime to execute a scheme to obtain money or property in connection with any stock commodity through misrepresentation, false pretenses, or fraudulent promises.
Securities fraud may also be a violation of Connecticut state law. Many states have a law that mirrors the federal criminal statute. State agencies or state law enforcement may prosecute fraudulent securities practices that occur within state lines.
What Are Common Types of Securities Fraud?
Fraudulent security schemes can take a variety of forms. Common examples of securities fraud include:
- Corporate fraud
- Insider trading
- Internet fraud
- Short selling schemes
- Ponzi schemes
- Pump and dump
Corporate fraud generally involves misrepresentations made by corporate directors and executives. This may include misrepresentations or cooking the books to artificially inflate the company’s stock value. Corporate shareholders can then profit from selling the overpriced stock or selling the overvalued company. The Enron corporate fraud case is a famous example of corporate-level fraud.
A Ponzi scheme is an investment scheme where earlier investors are paid out returns out of the money from new investors. As long as the share of investors continues to increase, other investors can receive consistent profits. However, as soon as the new influx of money starts to slow down or dry up, the scheme falls apart and individual investors find out their life savings are gone.
How Does Someone Find Out About Securities Fraud?
In some cases, a financial scheme can go on for years before anyone suspects any criminal activity. Federal government agencies may suspect fraud because of suspicious financial transactions, excessive trading, or irregular tax filings. However, many securities fraud cases are reported by whistleblowers. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has a whistleblower office for people to report possible fraud. Fraud may be reported by investors, employees, or even relatives who become aware of false securities claims.
Whistleblowers have an incentive to report insider trading or corporate fraud because the SEC provides monetary awards for individuals who report fraud that leads to SEC enforcement. Whistleblowers can receive up to 30% of the enforcement money collected.
Can You Go to Jail for Securities Fraud?
You can go to jail for securities fraud. Federal fraud statutes provide long prison sentences for felony fraud. Under U.S. law, a conviction for securities fraud can result in fines and imprisonment for up to 25 years. Depending on the fraud involved, securities violations may include other fraud charges, including:
- Telemarketing fraud
- Wire fraud
- Bank fraud
- Mail fraud
- Identity theft
- Credit card fraud
- Check fraud
- Insurance fraud
There may also be civil penalties for fraud, which could result in fines, treble damages, and restitution for the victims of investment fraud.
How Can an Experienced Securities Lawyer Help?
If your business or investment activities are being investigated by a government agency, you may be under investigation for securities fraud. Securities fraud attorneys may be able to represent you during an investigation to make sure your legal rights are represented. If you are facing legal action, criminal defense lawyers can represent you in court.
Investment fraud lawyers can use the discovery process to review all the evidence in your case, talk to witnesses, and gather relevant records to build a strong legal defense. An investment fraud attorney may also be able to negotiate a plea agreement for the best possible outcome. A successful plea deal can have charges reduced, charges dropped, or reduce the criminal sentencing.